New Ford traffic jam technology takes pain out of driving in queues

Ford has announced plans for a rather clever solution to the pains of driving in slow moving traffic. The traffic jam assist technology shifts cars into a sort of auto pilot, taking charge of gear changes, acceleration and steering, to keep up with cars ahead.

This means you are left hands and feet free while the car ticks over and keeps you up with whatever is in front. It's not the first time Ford has applied clever technology to conventional car issues. The Ford Kuga comes with a kick-activated boot, so you can open it while your hands are full.

Traffic jam assist comes as the first piece of tech in a line of innovations being put together by Ford following the "blueprint for mobility" plans announced at an MWC keynote this year.

Ford is also planning an improved active park assist, which allows for perpendicular parking by using ultrasonic sensors.

None of this technology has yet materialised in current Ford vehicles, but is planned to be unleashed to consumers in, Ford says, the "mid-term" future.

No more grumpy motorway delays and traffic-filled journeys. These plans from Ford could prove hugely useful to day-to-day driving, especially when you consider how congested major roads can be.

The baby of the Lint team, Hunter has been a tech fan since he bought his first MiniDisc..and what a waste of money that was. He began writing about electronics at the age of 16 and hasn't stopped since. Nowadays he fulfils his mobile phone and gaming obsession whilst attempting to distract people from his bizarre name. Regular meetings with the Gladiators crew see Hunter often returning to work battered and bruised. Considers himself a music obsessive, was once the most highly decorated scout in the country. Fan of trousers.